Direct Service Workforce Investment Grant: OTB's Plan

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The Indiana division of Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) announced a Grant to support the broad Direct Service Workforce in Indiana. Within the state’s definition of DSW includes several positions across many fields. For the work we do through Outside the Box, Inc., our Direct Support Professional* Employees are included within the scope of the DSW grant. Outside the Box applied for this grant opportunity in December, 2022, and received word in January, 2023,  that we were awarded a generous Direct Service Workforce Investment Grant. 

We are grateful for the state’s focus and financial support for this integral and deserving workforce. One component of eligibility to receive the grant is that provider organizations must publish their company plans on how they plan to use the funds if they do get approved to receive this grant. The state shared a Frequently Asked Question document if you have further questions about the grant: FAQ/PDF.

We also think it’s important for everyone to know that Outside the Box, Inc. recognizes that the most helpful long-term investment would be improved reimbursement rates that would allow OTB, Inc. to make another improvement to base hourly wages for our Direct Support Professionals. With the temporary nature of the grant funding, we are pleased to share how we will focus use of the grant funds below: 

• We are excited to announce that we will be passing along these funds to eligible DSWs in the form of staff bonuses as well as other recruitment & retention activities

Any questions regarding specific programs and amounts may be directed to Executive Director Michelle Miller;  317-253-6658